Died: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, February 21, 1965, Audubon Ballroom, Harlem, New York City

In honor of Mr. X's birthday on the 19th, I have posted the text from this week's Black Commentator, which was taken from his "Chickens Come Home To Roost" speech. Delivered shortly after the assassination of late President JFK Jr., this speech resulted in the Honorable Elijah Mohammed's censoring and 90-day silencing of Malcolm. This censoring, combined with the back-biting of his brothers in the movement (and a few narrowly-avoided attempts on his life) resulted in Malcolm leaving the Nation of Islam. Those who are scholars of Mr. X's speeches will indeed notice a few of his oft-repeated analogies and allegories: my personal favorate is always the reference to conservative white politicians as "wolves," and white liberal politicians as "foxes," which he also used in his earlier "Bullet or the Ballot" speech. Others may note his continued criticism of the 1963 March on Washington, referred by Malcolm in his own words as "The Farce on Washington."

About Malcolm X and Islam While googling up many returns for "Malcolm X", I was astounded by the many non-U.S.-based websites which also celebrate this guy and his legacy. Found a few from Europe, the U.K., even from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent as well. I guess that, in many ways, he has become as much of an icon to the full expanse of the Muslim world as he already (and more recognizably) is to both Africa and the Diaspora.

By Any Means Necessary.Malcolm X was assassinated today, February 21st, 1965. He is what makes me proud to be Muslim/Afghan. Thank you for your inspiration.

Some favourite quotes (ofcourse, there are MANY more)

"If you're not ready to die for it, put the word 'freedom' out of your vocabulary."

"Without education, you're not going anywhere in this world."

"You don't have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being."

"I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color."

"There is nothing in our book, the Koran, that teaches us to suffer peacefully. Our religion teaches us to be intelligent. Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery. That’s a good religion."